Congressman Kim Convenes Call with Long-Term Care, Emergency Management Leaders to Highlight Continued Coronavirus Needs
Press Release
Today, during a virtual meeting convened by Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Long-Term Care facility, health department and emergency management leaders from across Burlington and Ocean Counties expressed concerns about continued lags in testing and issues acquiring PPE. These concerns come in the wake of Congressman Kim repeatedly calling on the Trump Administration to improve testing turnaround times nationwide.
"What I heard today from our long-term care and emergency management leaders in New Jersey is a very different picture from the statements I've been given from Administration officials in Washington," said Congressman Kim, "Here in New Jersey, testing continues to be a problem and PPE is still too hard to come by. We should be preparing for a potential second wave, but right now we're continuing to fail our communities on mitigating the first one, despite the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our local leaders. I will continue to work with anyone -- from either side of the aisle -- to move forward urgently with a national strategy that truly supports our frontline workers and long-term care facilities and helps save lives."
Congressman Kim was joined by local health care leaders including representatives from the Burlington and Ocean County Office of Emergency Management, Ocean and Burlington County Health Department, Caring Connections, Marquis Health, Complete Care Facilities, Laurel Brook Rehab and Masonic Village.
Specific issues discussed on the call include ongoing supply chain issues for personal protective equipment, the need for additional testing and national guidance on testing, and the need to improve communication and clarity of federal guidance and regulations of long-term care facilities during the ongoing crisis.
Since the beginning of the Coronavirus crisis, Congressman Kim has held regular calls with public health, small business, and senior community leaders to hear concerns and discuss solutions that can keep our neighbors safe and help New Jersey reopen.
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